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Mr. Gifford Garland Basham, 85, of Magnolia Ave., Mocksville, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 23, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Gifford was affectionately known as “Father Basham” around town.

He was born on April 30, 1938 in Kanawha County, W.Va. to the late Gifford Renal and Edith Irene Totten Basham.

Giff retired from the FBI, having served as a Special Agent for 27 years. He had the distinguished honor of serving as a firearms instructor at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. For many years, he enjoyed playing sports, hunting & fishing. In his retirement, he loved playing golf, gardening, and spending time with his family.  Mr. Basham was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Mocksville. Giff will be remembered as one who lived a life of service to others, doing so quietly and in his own way. He was hardworking, disciplined, and generous to his core.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: a brother, James Franklin Basham; and a sister, Rebecca Lou Basham Sieckowski.

Survivors include: his wife of 60 years, Barbara Callison Basham of the home; 3 children, Amy Denise Basham of Advance, Kathryn Basham Gledhill (David), and Brian Gifford Basham (Dawn), all of Mocksville; 4 grandchildren, Amber Elise Basham, Meagan McInnis Basham, Adam McRae Gledhill, and Drew Alan Gledhill; a sister-in-law, Beverly Toth Basham; a brother-in-law, Bob Sieckowski; a brother-in-law, Jerry Callison (Sue); a sister-in-law, Janet Taylor (Dave); and nephew, Luke Taylor, and niece, Lauren Taylor.

A celebration of life will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 30 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Darren Crotts and Rev. Lori Anne Bowen officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service across the street in the Family Life Center.  Inurnment will follow at a later date in Rose Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be considered for: Deep Roots Community Garden, c/o Teresa Johnson, 237 Birchwood Lane, Mocksville, NC 27028; or Trellis Hospice & Supportive Care; 101 Hospice Ln., Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Online condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.